The best hyaluronic acid creams that actually work (2025)

This one-and-done moisturiser contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, with the former promoting a brighter complexion and the latter keeping that all-important moisture barrier satisfied.

Plus, vitamin C – a well-loved antioxidant – keeps the skin protected from environmental damage (like sun exposure and free radicals). It hits investment level, but you’ll find it sitting inside many beauty editors' cupboards – it’s that good.

At the heart of Institut Esthederm's Intensive Hyaluronic Cream is the brand's patented Cellular Water: a complex that prolongs the life of our skin cells to encourage a plumper complexion over time. It's then supported by three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid so that the ingredient can reach the deepest layers of the epidermis.

The sensorial experience is worthy of its price tag, too. Beautifully velvety in texture, the cream glides over the skin to instantly soothe and comfort areas of irritation.

Members price: £22

You’d think that a cream pumped with three forms of hyaluronic acid would succumb to a triple-figure price tag, but this cult favourite from Beauty Pie deeply hydrates dry skin without costing an arm and a leg.

While the larger HA molecules hydrate on the surface level, smaller molecules penetrate deeper for sustained, long-lasting moisture. This alone makes signing up for a membership worth it.

When it comes to hydration, Laneige is the K-beauty brand to know about. You may recognise its name because of the renowned Lip Sleeping Mask but, beyond this, all of its skincare formulas are designed to boost moisture and condition the skin.

A particular hero product is the Water Bank Moisturiser. Unique to other formulas in this edit, the cream is made with a type of hyaluronic acid that's fermented with sea algae. This gives it a lower molecular weight, meaning it will penetrate deeper into the skin to provide long-lasting hydration.

It has a gel-like texture which feels incredibly delicate, making it a wonderful daytime choice.

L'Oreal Paris' renowned Revitalift franchise is one of the best for hydrating on a budget. Use the hyaluronic acid serum after you cleanse, and then lock in the moisture with the Plumping Water Cream.

It's formulated with micro-epidermic hyaluronic acid, which is 50 times smaller than the standard molecule, to ensure long-lasting hydration to the deepest levels of the epidermis. It's a cream we truly trust.

Innisfree's hyaluronic acid cream spotlights green tea seed to balance sebum production – as, yes, oily skin can still be dehydrated – alongside barrier-boosting ceramides to protect the skin barrier.

As for the sensorial element, oil-prone complexions will appreciate how light and refreshing the texture is. It feeds the skin with hydrating ingredients, without leaving a greasy slick.

There are few things we’d deem true cult classics in the beauty world – but Vichy’s Minèral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum certainly hits the mark for us.

It’s long-loved by beauty editors for its refreshing and nourishing formula, so it makes perfect sense that the brand’s moisturiser iteration makes our edit. The hyaluronic acid and squalane-packed formula works to mollify dryness and areas of irritation.

Tip: we store ours in the fridge, which feels particularly refreshing on sensitive or rosacea-prone complexions.

CeraVe’s no-nonsense approach to skincare proves that you don’t have to break the bank to see results.

The Facial Moisturising Lotion is enriched with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which work in tandem to deeply hydrate and smooth.

What's more, the brand's star ceramide complex works to support the skin's barrier, in turn preventing moisture loss to keep your complexion happily hydrated.

What does hyaluronic acid do for the skin?

Now that the dictionary definition has been outlined, what is so alluring about this staple ingredient? Well, hyaluronic acid will help keep your skin looking plumped up, hydrated and refreshed – which, in turn, leads to a more energised complexion.

What's more, there is evidence to suggest that hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties, so it could also protect skin from free-radical damage (dark spots, fine lines etc.). Really, it's a must-have ingredient that deserves a place on everyone's skincare shelf.

Which skin types benefit from hyaluronic acid?

Everyone can benefit from a little hyaluronic acid, but it's especially helpful if you're prone to dehydration. Most of the time, larger molecules of hyaluronic acid sit on the surface of the skin to plump outer layers.

However, there are some formulas that contain low-molecular weight HA, which can penetrate further to hydrate skin at a deeper level.

Hyaluronic acid also comes in handy as you age. Mature skin is prone to lower levels of hyaluronic acid – and hence, hydration – so using a potent serum (or even a daily cream) will help to promote healthier, more balanced skin.

If your skin falls into the sensitivity camp, don't worry – hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient that can be used on conditions like rosacea and even acne.

When should you use hyaluronic acid?

There's no reason not to use a hyaluronic acid cream morning and night, but remember it acts like a magnet for water – so if you apply it to a dry face in a dry environment, it may suck water from the deeper levels of your skin. The trick is to slather on your chosen formula straight after cleansing, when your skin is still slightly damp, to keep everything locked in.